Local and state government | Good sports, infrastructure money and Anzac Day

Grant presentations were made to the following clubs by deputy mayor Ian North: Bathurst Bushrangers, Bathurst Hockey, Bathurst Giants, Eglinton Tennis Club, Bathurst Little Athletics.

Marsden Estate park development

WORK is well underway on the installation of playground, sporting and fitness equipment in the Coates, Mendel and Keane green spaces in Marsden Estate.

Picnic tables, tree planting and the installation of the basketball backboard on the sports court is still to be completed.

The works are expected to be finished by the end of June.

The works are being funded through an Australian Government grant through the Drought Communities Program.

Penrith NRL visit

THE countdown is on for the visit to Bathurst by the Penrith Panthers for this year's NRL clash against the Manly Sea Eagles.

The Panthers will be in the city prior to the match and will once again head to the Peachy Richardson Shield and take part in the Play Like a Panther clinic.

It is a great opportunity for our young league fans to get to chat with and learn from their sporting heroes.

The Penrith and Manly game will take place on Saturday, May 1 at Carrington Park.

Anzac Day

THIS Sunday, our community, along with Australians everywhere, will remember those who have served to defend Australia.

We do this because it is the anniversary of the day when Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on the beach at Gallipoli in Turkey on April 25, 1915.

The occasion brings together our community and our nation to say thank you for the selfless service to all the men and women in our Defence Forces past and present.

Lest we forget.

IT'S great to be able to announce that applications are now open for the 2021 Community Building Partnership program, unlocking $27.9 million for community infrastructure projects across NSW.

On this occasion, $300,000 is available for projects in each NSW electorate, including Bathurst, and I would urge local councils and not-for-profit groups to apply for the funds they need to deliver projects with social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

Local sports clubs, charities, schools and museums are just some of the groups that benefit from this program.

If your organisation or club needs extra funding for infrastructure, such as playgrounds, accessible features, equipment or refurbishment, then I'd strongly encourage you to apply.

The Community Building Partnership program has awarded more than $362 million to over 16,600 projects since it commenced in 2009.

This program means that you can support your community group to improve the places you meet, train or play.

Please take the time to prepare and submit your application so your community group doesn't miss out on a share of $300,000.

Applications will close at 5pm on Friday, May 14, 2021.

Applicants must read the program guidelines to ensure their club or organisation and proposed project are eligible.

For more information about the NSW Government's 2021 Community Building Partnership Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/cbp

Lest we forget the sacrifice

THIS Sunday is a special day for all Australians when thousands of people from across this great country remember those who have fought for us in various wars and conflicts across the globe.

Many of these men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

These are the men and women who have given us the country that we are proud to call home and live in today.

These are the men and women who have given us the freedom so many of us take for granted.

We have dealt with many issues over the years, but the turbulent times of late have been challenging to say the least and have brought out the best in the Aussie, never-say-die fighting spirit that typifies what the Anzac tradition is all about.

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.